Korean Dictionary
How to say "Did you eat?" in Korean
“Did you eat?” in Korean is 밥 먹었어요 (pronounced "Bap meogeosseoyo").
밥 먹었어요
Bap meogeosseoyo
Usage & Context
A uniquely Korean way to show you care about someone. Asking if someone has eaten is a culturally significant expression of concern and affection in Korea, more than just an inquiry about meals. It's often used as a casual greeting among close acquaintances.
Example Sentence
아직 거기 있어요? 밥 먹었어요?
Are you still there? Did you eat?
How to use 밥 먹었어요 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Did you eat?” is 밥 먹었어요, romanized as Bap meogeosseoyo.
Usage tip
Check the politeness level before using this word. Korean greetings often change depending on age, relationship, and setting.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 밥 먹었어요.
Pronunciation Guide
'밥' (bap) sounds like 'bop' in 'bop music'. '먹었어요' (meogeosseoyo) is pronounced 'muk-ut-uh-yo', where '먹' (meok) is like 'muk' in 'muktuk', '었' (eot) is like 'ut' in 'butter', and '어요' (eoyo) is like 'uh-yo'.
Formal & Casual Forms
Formal (존댓말)
진지 드셨습니까? / 식사하셨습니까?
Jinji deusyeosseumnikka? / Siksahasyeosseumnikka?
'진지 드셨습니까?' uses honorifics for both 'meal' (진지) and 'eat' (드시다), reserved for elders or superiors. '식사하셨습니까?' is a slightly less honorific but still very formal alternative.
Casual (반말)
밥 먹었어?
Bap meogeosseo?
Used when speaking to close friends, family, or people younger than you.
More Example Sentences
Greeting a friend who just arrived at your place.
어서 와! 밥 먹었어요? 배고프면 뭐 좀 시킬까?
Welcome! Did you eat? If you're hungry, shall we order something?
Calling your mom late in the evening.
엄마, 아직 퇴근 안 했어? 밥 먹었어요?
Mom, you haven't left work yet? Did you eat?
A colleague asking another colleague after a long meeting.
회의 끝나고 바로 오셨네요. 밥은 먹었어요?
You came right after the meeting. Did you eat?
Cultural Context
Asking '밥 먹었어요?' (Did you eat?) is a deeply ingrained cultural greeting and expression of care in Korea, far beyond a simple inquiry about food. It signifies concern for someone's well-being, as eating is fundamental to health and strength. It's common among family, friends, and even colleagues. In K-dramas, you'll often hear characters use this as a warm greeting or a way to show affection, especially when someone looks tired or stressed, highlighting its importance in daily interactions.
Editorial note
We check greetings like 밥 먹었어요 for politeness and timing, since Korean greetings change with relationship, age, and setting.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
아침/점심/저녁 밥 먹었어요?
Did you eat breakfast/lunch/dinner?
밥은 먹고 다녀요.
Make sure to eat. (Literally: 'Go around eating.')
밥 먹으러 갈까요?
Shall we go eat?
Related Expressions
식사하셨어요?
Siksahasyeosseoyo?
Did you have a meal? (More formal/polite synonym)
배고파요
Baegopayo
I'm hungry (Related concept, often the reason for asking)
뭐 좀 드실래요?
Mwo jom deusillaeyo?
Would you like to eat something? (Follow-up question)
잘 먹었습니다
Jal meogeosseumnida
I ate well (Expression after eating)
More Greetings Words
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